Friday, December 18, 2009

Danny Lim asks Comelec to reconsider rejection of Senate bid

Detained former Army Scout Ranger commander Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim on Friday formally asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to reconsider its decision rejecting his senatorial bid in the coming 2010 polls.

In a nine-page motion for reconsideration, Lim's camp led by University of the Philippines Law professor Ibarra Gutierrez said the Comelec "erred in canceling/denying due course" to Lim's certificate of candidacy "solely on the ground that it found that he was not capable of waging a national electoral campaign."

Under the Omnibus Election Code, an aspirant for public office can only be disqualified if he or she falsified any information in the certificate of candidacy or if the aspirant is found to be a nuisance candidate, Lim's camp said, asserting that the detained military officer does not fall under any category.

His camp pointed out that Lim is a guest candidate of the Liberal Party, which is fielding the tandem of Sen. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III and Sen. Manuel “Mar" Roxas II in the May 2010 polls.

Lim also received a 12 percent preference rating in a November 2009 Social Weather Stations Survey, ahead of other senatorial aspirants who were recognized by the Comelec, his petition read.

It added that Lim has the support of several groups, including the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM) and Samahang Magdalo.

"We trust the Comelec will acknowledge Danny Lim as a very credible candidate and will be duly returned in the official list of senatorial candidates," the camp of the West Point graduate said.

Lim is facing rebellion charges in connection with the November 2007 standoff at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City and also faces charges of mutiny before a military court in connection with the February 2006 coup.

Lim said he is seeking a Senate post to continue the fight that he started against corruption while in the active service.